Grace Personified

A Sunday morning in the winter of either late 2012 or early 2013 I stepped into the building at 6180 East Pima. 

I don't recall the date because it was such a tumultuous time period.  My biological father had passed away in October of 2012, and I was losing ground quickly.  I was not taking care of myself physically, emotionally or spiritually.  The relationship with my daughter was headed down a dangerous path.  

While at work Patty and I talked about how we needed to go to church.  Eventually we decided we'd put some names in a hat and start "church shopping".  Come the fateful Sunday morning we had not chosen a name.  After a brief discussion we decided to meet in the middle at Grace to the Nations.

Although I had not been to church in a while, I would occasionally listen to praise music.  Upon walking in, Liz and the team were leading worship and the songs were familiar.  Pastor Obed gave word that day and I knew I would return. 

I must admit that I was worried about how Tenaysia was going to settle in.  Up until this point we didn't have a church home partly because she did not feel welcome in any of the youth groups.  Her first Sunday there, Pastor Adina approached and invited her to the Wednesday night youth group, Grace Revolution.  The days of arguing about attending church faded away and soon we were attending church twice a week!!

I'd like to thank Pastor Adina.  Being a part of Grace Revolution has been instrumental in the transformation of my household.  You are amazing.  Thank you for your honesty, selflessness and loving my daughter like your own.

Over the years, Tenaysia and I have collected great memories--too many to share, here are a few:

Baptism of me, Naysia and Imaunii; the weddings of Christy/Faith, Ari/Carlos, Berenise/Eddie; linking up with Pastor Sharon to create the fruit baskets for Cece Winans; road trips to Phoenix and El Paso with Grace Revolution; attending the ribbon cutting at the Woodland property; summer pool parties and movie nights; serving the community during the week of hope; evangelizing at the mall; honoring mother Neva as she turned 100+; 12D; concerts; ushering monthly with Mr. Lowell; Pastor Marla on the microphone; Pastor Rae's 50th bday party.....the list could go on and on and on.  

Today was bittersweet.  We were prayed over at the end of first service, broke bread at NYPD, shared my famous chocolate chip cookies, and we were prayed over once again. 
 
As I write this, I am thankful for the open arms, the listening ears, the praying mothers and fathers, being allowed to exercise my gifts, and the love that was extended.  

Thank you all for being Grace Personified.